Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Mepron
- Antimalarials
Description
Oral antiprotozoal agent; active against both Toxoplasma gondii and Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii); structurally and pharmacologically related to lapinone and parvaquone (antimalarials); effective for malaria when used with proguanil.
Indications
Indicated for the treatment
- Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
- Malaria (P. falciparum)
Contraindications
History of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, bronchospasm, throat tightness, urticaria) to drug or components
Adverse Effects
- Abdominal pain (4-21%)
- Cough (14-25%)
- Depression (undefined)
- Diarrhea (19-42%)
- Dyspnea (15-21%)
- Fever (14-40%)
- Headache (16-31%)
- Infection (18-22%)
- Insomnia (10-19%)
- Myalgia (undefined)
- Nausea (21-32%)
- Rash (22-46%)
- Rhinitis (5-24%)
- Vomiting (14-22%)
- Weakness (8-31%)
Warnings
Oral absorption is limited but can be significantly increased when drug is taken with food; failure to administer with food may result in lower plasma concentrations and may limit response to therapy; consider therapy with other agents in patients who have difficulty taking oral suspension with food or in patients who have gastrointestinal disorders that may limit absorption of oral medications
Cases of cholestatic hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, and fatal liver failure reported; if treating patients with severe hepatic impairment, closely monitor patients
Hypersensitivity reactions reported, including bronchospasm, angioedema, urticaria and throat tightness
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Maximum Dosage
Doses of up to 3 g/day PO have been used.
Doses of up to 3 g/day PO have been used.
Doses of up to 3 g/day PO have been used.
> 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established; doses of up to 40 mg/kg/day (maximum 1.5 g/day) PO have been used for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia infections.
<= 24 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established; doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day PO have been recommended for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia infections.
>= 4 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established; doses of up to 45 mg/kg/day PO have been recommended for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia infections.
1—3 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established; doses of up to 40 mg/kg/day PO have been recommended for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia infections.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; doses of up to 40 mg/kg/day PO have been recommended for the treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia infections.
How supplied
Atovaquone
oral suspension
- 750mg/5mL
